Friday, January 20, 2012

Don’t bitch! Yes, I know that I haven’t blogged in a while but with the holidays, et al. I’ve been too pooped to write. And now I’m gearing up for fashion Week so chill out.

That said, I did manage to check out some of the (to my way of thinking anyway) best looking handbags for Spring at two of the major trade shows. I braved the cold when I went to the Javits center for Accessories the Show. Ah, the sacrifices I endure to bring you the news. However I have to admit I was fortified by the complimentary massage and manicure so I wasn’t all bad.

Okay, here are some of my affordable spring picks (and God knows there were so many vendors to choose from starting with HOBO’s color blocked “June“ patent satchel from the core collection. Yellow, beige with accents of deep red make up the colors. Note that bi-color and tri-color combos are a major trend alonf with neutrals, some neon shades and smaller shapes in general. I saw a lot of mini saddle bags, messenger and book bag shapes and lots of cross-body bags at the show. See more at hobobags.com.

I loved IZZY & ALI’s versions of the schoolboy and satchels that come in terrific tri-color combos at very favorable prices. Style 35280 is a cute cross body offered in green/orange/white (my fave combo), blue/green/white or blue/pink/white.

KORET is a world famous manufacturer of ladylike handbags and has been for ages. The latest collection has an updated vibe while still retaining the brand’s chic retro appeal. My favorite bags include a double handled satchel in sandstone leather from the “ Snap it up“ range, nicely detailed with gold hardware and chain that features the Koret logo. My other pick would be the ruggedly handsome bamboo handled satchel in British tan faux ostrich with bamboo turn lock closure from the Bamboozled“ collection. Check out more at www.korethandbags.com.

VIETA is a California based handbag line that offers a lot of style for practically no money. The bags are fashioned in polyurethane (it really looks like leather) and come in cheery pastels. You’ll find everything from quilted numbers to faux Gucci type styles and cute cross body numbers. I also liked the clutch bags, another style that’s trending now. For more go to www.vietafashion.com

Vieta Proves You Can Be Oh So Stylish and Keep Money in Your Bag

Speaking of clutch bags I fell in love with a brand new resource called LOLO. This line offers the cutest zip top mini clutches in vibrant patent that can do double duty as cosmetic bags. Each one has a contrast color patent applique. My fave comes in emerald green with a navy anchor and the black patent with white Maltese cross, but every one’s a conversation piece. Go see at www.lolobag.com.

A Sailor and a Biker Walk Into a Bag Shop... and Come Out With Lolo!

I also saw neon bright zip top fabric clutch bags with outside zip pockets at JPK. These are slightly larger that the ones at Lolo but just as covetable if you’re into brights. Go see at www.jpkhandbags.com.

Rounding out my top picks at this trade show is MISSCO GIRL. I went bananas for the color blocked satchel briefcase in a splashy sunrise color combo from the Urban Glamour line. Makes me wish I were still in school. If I can’t have that I’ll settle for the leather envelope clutch with handsome buckle closure. For more info visit www.misscogirl.com.

My next foray was to the ENK Accessory Show at the Piers. Believe me it’s no fun to trudge all the way west at the height of winter but I stop at nothing to bring you the news, I’m that kind of person. While I could have easily become distracted by the wealth of fabulous jewelry vendors I concentrated on the mission at hand!

One of my favorite collections was LANCASTER. There were so many styles to choose from I have to narrow them down to the pebble full grain leather color blocked satchel with shoulder strap, from the Happy Multi range, a very pretty Liberty print range with leather trim, and the full grain leather sporty top handle satchel with shoulder strap and outside pocket in a host of muted shades from the Soft Vintage group. There’s more at www.lancaster.fr

Lancaster... So Many Styles, So Much Goodness

MOSEY showed some very attractive quilted fabric cross body bags that are water resistant and lightweight. If you’re into casual sporty bags that are easy on the environment this line’s for you. For more on the company go to www.moseylife.com.

Let’s face it, you can’t get through the summer without at least one terrific tote and R&EM has a beauty in a zebra print canvas. Franky“ comes in sun, red, mint or black stripes. There’s a tiny attached zip top change purse as well. Love it, love it! I also loved the small ostrich print school bag in light blue/nude/navy combo called "small percy". It looks like the real thing at a much more affordable price. Since it’s a lower priced division of Rebecca Moses the quality and fashion styling is a given.

I could go on and on about all the gorgeous handbags I saw but it’s almost time to look forward to fall 2012. But while I’m on the subject it’s important to keep your good bags in tip top shape. Let’s face it bags are expensive for the most part so whether you own one or dozens like moi, finding a place that does wonderful repair work is a must. I found PAVLOS SHOE REPAIR at 125 East 88th Street. The man produces miracles (he reconditioned my very old Vuitton shoulder bag from 1971) but he also works miracles on leather belts, luggage, etc. And don’t worry, his prices are very reasonable. Tel: 212 876-8569.